The Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Day at CocoCay

Planning the Perfect Day at CocoCay is easy-and you’ll love it! The Perfect Day really does exist-and it takes place at Royal Caribbean’s private Island, CocoCay. Guests of Royal Caribbean cruise into this port every day-and it truly is a perfect paradise!

If you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked escape filled with exciting adventures, pristine beaches, and unforgettable family moments, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay IS the ideal destination. This private island in the Bahamas offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement with experiences designed for every traveler — and many of them are complimentary! Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate day on this tropical paradise.

Understanding the Layout of CocoCay

Before you arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay, you should research the layout of the island. Royal Caribbean knew what they were doing when they designed this island! It’s laid out perfectly, to give the best of both worlds to both families and those who want adult only areas.

CocoCay is 1 mile long and 200 yards wide, and you can easily explore it by walking. There are also two trams that provide transportation for cruise guests.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is thoughtfully divided into several themed areas. Knowing the layout will help you maximize your time and plan your day efficiently.

• Thrill Waterpark: This is what you see in the distance as you arrive in port. The giant waterslide? That’s part of Thrill Waterpark. It’s a haven for adventure seekers-perfect for the teens in your family, or even the grown ups who want to take on some water slides. It features several waterslides, a wave pool, and the tallest waterslide in North America.
• Chill Island: A serene escape with tranquil beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of places to relax. This is a quieter beach area, but still welcomes families.
• Oasis Lagoon: The largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, complete with a swim-up bar and in-water loungers.
• Harbor Beach: A great spot for families, offering calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Hideaway Beach: This brand new area, opened in January of 2024, is the ultimate adults-only beach on the southeast coast of CocoCay. This beautiful, AMAZING area is well worth paying for. Relax to music orchestrated by DJs, party in the beautiful Hideaway Pool, or sip cocktails at the swim-up bar. 
• South Beach: A hub for beach games, sports, and relaxation.
• Up, Up, and Away: A helium balloon ride offering breathtaking views of the island and beyond.

Side notes-I highly recommend a cabana rental on Hideaway Beach!

Complimentary Activities to Enjoy on CocoCay

Yes, there are complimentary activities on CocoCay-and plenty of them! Some of the top complimentary experiences include:

• Oasis Lagoon: Dive into the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool. Enjoy the swim-up bar or simply relax in the expansive lagoon with plenty of seating.
• Chill Island: Lounge in complimentary beach chairs or hammocks under swaying palm trees. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent if you want to explore underwater.
• South Beach: Engage in friendly competitions with beach volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
• Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon: Perfect for kids, these aqua parks offer slides, water cannons, and fountains designed to keep little ones entertained for hours.
• Harbor Beach: Enjoy a calm, sheltered beach with shallow waters that are perfect for families with small children.

Planning for Adventure: Optional Upgrades at CocoCay

While many activities are complimentary, there are premium experiences worth considering if you want to elevate your Perfect Day.

• Thrill Waterpark: Access to the waterpark requires an additional fee, but the adrenaline-pumping slides and wave pool make it a top choice for thrill-seekers.
• Coco Beach Club: Offering an exclusive, upscale experience, this club includes access to an infinity pool, private beach, and overwater cabanas.
• Up, Up, and Away: Soar 450 feet above the island in a helium balloon ride for stunning panoramic views.
• Cabanas: Available for rent in various locations, cabanas provide a shaded, private retreat perfect for families or groups.

Many families choose to book the Thrill Waterpark, and I can see why! This area will offer your family unforgettable experiences such as the tallest waterslide in North America! Admission to the Thrill Waterpark includes beach chairs and unlimited use of the wet and wild experiences. Private cabanas can be rented and prices vary by season and location. Those around the beach and pool areas include Waterpark admission and slides for up to 6 guests.

The Best Dining on CocoCay

CocoCay offers a range of dining options to satisfy every appetite, with many delicious choices included in your cruise fare.

• Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill: Enjoy complimentary burgers, tacos, BBQ, salads, and more.
• Snack Shacks: Scattered around the island, Snack Shacks offer grab-and-go bites like crispy chicken sandwiches and mozzarella sticks.
• Coco Beach Club’s Exclusive Dining: For an elevated culinary experience, guests with access to Coco Beach Club can savor fresh lobster, steak, and other gourmet dishes.

Getting the Most out of Your Day at Perfect Day at CocoCay

You only get one day at CocoCay, and you want to make the most of it! Plan an early breakfast at Windjammer, so you can disembark quickly and get to the fun!

• Arrive Early: Once your ship docks, aim to disembark early to secure prime spots at popular locations like Chill Island or Oasis Lagoon. Early risers can also beat the crowds at Splashaway Bay.
• Reserve Premium Experiences in Advance: If you’re interested in renting a cabana or experiencing Thrill Waterpark, book these experiences ahead of time through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner to avoid disappointment.
• Pack Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Towels are usually provided by the ship, so there’s no need to pack your own.
• Use Island Transportation: CocoCay offers complimentary tram service that loops around the island. This is a convenient way to get from one area to another without losing precious time.
• Stay Connected with Family: If you’re traveling with a group, designate a central meeting point and times to regroup throughout the day. This helps everyone stay on track and ensures no one misses out on key experiences.

Suggested Ways to Spend Your Day at Cococay:

Depending on your family, thrill seeking, or relaxing, there is an “itinerary” for everyone! Here are my favorite ways to spend a day:

For Adventure Seekers:

• Start your day at Thrill Waterpark and conquer Daredevil’s Peak.
• Head to Oasis Lagoon for a refreshing break and a drink at the swim-up bar.
• End with a ride on Up, Up, and Away for panoramic views.

For Families with Young Children:

• Begin at Splashaway Bay for water play.
• Move to Harbor Beach for calm, shallow waters.
• Grab lunch at Chill Grill and relax on Chill Island.

For Relaxation Lovers:

• Claim a spot at Chill Island and spend the morning basking in the sun.
• Cool off at Oasis Lagoon with a cocktail in hand.
• Treat yourself to the serene luxury of Coco Beach Club (if booked).

Perfect Day at CocoCay truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re chasing thrills, seeking relaxation, or making magical family memories. This gorgeous island destination is PERFECT and you’ll love it! With thoughtful planning, you can create a day filled with moments and memories with everyone in your family. So pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a PERFECT DAY you’ll never forget!

Are you looking ahead to a Perfect Day at CocoCay? Let’s chat! Email me at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com to set up your sailing on Royal Caribbean, and you’ll be sailing into the Perfect Day in no time!